Teacher of the Week: Lake Cormorant Middle's Melissa Howard

Technology teacher loves her 'Swamp' family

As a technology foundations teacher at Lake Cormorant Middle School, Melissa Howard sees all students in grades 6-8.

"Computers is my background," she said. "We teach them about cyber bullying, social media; they learn Microsoft products and keyboarding — those are the main focuses."

At the end of the day, it's all about the students.

"I like the kids," said Howard, in her fourth year of teaching. "My passion is finding those students that need extra help and getting them the help that they need."

Q: When did you know you wanted to become a teacher?

A: About 15 years ago, I was working at Baptist Hospital as director of information systems. I was asked to teach a class on how to set and achieve goals to directors and administrative staff, and it was at that moment that I knew that teaching was my dream. About six years ago, I set out on that dream and it became reality at Lake Cormorant Middle School in July 2009.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as an educator that you haven't done yet?

A: Being an educator isn't about my needs; it's all about the needs of our kids. I love watching my students play sports and seeing them succeed in the classroom and on state tests. Feeling as though I have made a difference in just one student's life is my accomplishment.

Q: What do you like best about your current school?

A: I would have to say, the culture. We are a Gator family. My peers are also my friends and we help each other out in times of need. We all feel that developing relationships with our students is top priority, and we have a motto of "failure is not an option." We care about everyone within our walls and we focus on providing a safe, positive environment for our students. The first thing you see when you enter LCMS, is "Welcome to the Swamp." I can't imagine not being in the Swamp every day with my family.

Q: What do you think is the greatest challenge facing teachers today?

A: Keeping the students engaged and motivated. We have so many smart, intelligent kids, but keeping our classrooms fun and exciting while still teaching the curriculum is very challenging. There just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day.

Q: What's the funniest thing that's happened to you as a teacher?

A: Laughter is the best medicine right? In my first classroom, I had an electrical pole in the center of the room. I was teaching one day and ran smack into that pole. My students got a kick out of that, and several more times that year. The next year, I rearranged my classroom.

Q: What were your extracurricular activities when you were in school?

A: I was the yearbook editor, office worker and scorekeeper for the baseball team.

Principals and assistant principals at each school nominate an educator to be featured. The educator exemplifies and promotes qualities that are positive in and out of the classroom.